Darling Downs South West region

​​​​​​​​​​​​Gateway to the Great South West

The Darling Downs South West region is an area on the western slope of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland and covers an impressive 480,000km² of land.

Agriculture is one of the economic pillars of our region and compliments the energy, tourism, services, infrastructure, processing and m​anufacturing industries.

Toowoomba is the largest city in the region, which is approximately 90 minutes drive west of Brisbane. Quintessential country towns like Stanthorpe, Chinchilla, Dalby, Warwick, Kingaroy, Murgon, Oakey, Roma, Charleville and Goondiwindi are part of our diverse region, with lots of smaller towns branching off in all directions from these towns.

Darling Downs South West schools at a glance

The Darling Downs South West region currently has:

* As at February 2022.
** As at December 2020.
*** As at August 2021.

The Darling Downs is the heart of the South-East Queensland farming region and, thanks to its elevated position, rich soil and open spaces together with long tradition of family farming and adoptive cultures, our region has something for everyone.

You can search our schools directory map for a list of the schools located in this region and their contact details.

Teaching and living in the region

As a place to teach, the Darling Downs South West region offers a desirable working and relaxed lifestyle conditions.

While living here, you’ll enjoy diverse climates, with cooler temperatures in the higher altitudes of Toowoomba and the Southern Downs, combined with the outback way of life. Singles and families are well-catered for with an affordable and community-oriented lifestyle with access to essential facilities and experiences for everyone.

Teaching in schools outside major cities and regional towns may mean you're eligible to receive additional rural and remote benefits​.

When you apply to teach with us, you will be asked to nominate where in the Darling Downs South West region you’d like to teach. Explore these 5 geographic locations below.

​Toowoomba and surrounds​​

Roma, ​Maranoa and South West Queensland​

Warwick and surrounds

South Burnett and Wide Bay West

​​Western Downs

Teaching in rura​​l and remote Darling Downs South West communities

There are many personal, professional and financial benefits you’ll discover when you teach in a rural or remote community. Not only is there a high demand for teacher​s in these communities, but there are also opportunities for professional development and career development.

If you accept a permanent or long-term temporary role in a location that requires you to move, we may help you with this, including reimbursement of some expenses.

In addition to your salary, you may also be eligible for additional financial benefits and in some locations, we offer subsidised rent.

Find out more on the rural and remote benefits page​.

​Professional d​​evelopment

When you teach in our region, you’ll have access to a number of professional development programs​.

In addition, our Roma Centre for Learning and Wellbeing​ (CLAW) supports new and experienced teachers and school leaders in 38 of the region’s schools. Catchment extends from Surat in the east, to Eromanga in the west, north to Tambo and south to Hebel, with Kingaroy Satellite supporting schools in Kingaroy, Murgon and Cherbourg. The CLAW can support you through mentoring and coaching, facilitating inter-agency wellbeing support, developing leadership capability and resilience building.

Our Darling Downs South West ​Teacher Learning Centre (TLC) based in Toowoomba supports preservice, beginning and early career teachers by co-ordinating and delivering high quality professional learning opportunities across the region.

We work closely with schools, our CLaW and other regional portfolios to build confident and capable professionals through consistent and quality wraparound support.